Issue #409 Mon 1 Jul
Connections hints — July 1, 2024
A steady progression through four distinct themes that rely on varying levels of recognition. The grid requires a careful eye for regional geography and historical iconography.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
A theater usher holding a flashlight or a hiking companion pointing toward the trailhead.
Verbs of motion and assistance
Direct synonyms
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters D, G, L, U.
SHOW THE WAY
One is DIRECT.
DIRECT · GUIDE · LEAD · USHER
green group 7 nudges
Green group
A shell game on a city sidewalk or a suspicious email requesting a wire transfer.
Criminal activities and deceit
Direct synonyms
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters C, H, R, S.
SCHEME
One is CON.
CON · HUSTLE · RACKET · STING
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Digging through a wallet for a crumpled bill to pay for a cup of coffee.
Symbols of American currency
Objects represented on paper money
Members are 4–10 letters; first letters E, P, S, W.
SEEN ON A U.S. DOLLAR BILL
One is EAGLE.
EAGLE · PYRAMID · SEAL · WASHINGTON
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
Looking at an atlas of the northern continent while planning a long train trip.
Regional nomenclature
Shared initial components of proper nouns
Members are 4–9 letters; first letters B, N, P.
FIRST WORDS OF CANADIAN PROVINCES/TERRITORIES
One is BRITISH.
BRITISH · NORTHWEST · NOVA · PRINCE